History

Lake Washington High School began as Kirkland High School (also called Union “A” High School) in 1922—a gathering of students from as far away as Monroe and Duvall. Twenty seven years later, the school moved up the hill from Market Street to its present address. After two major remodels on that building, a brand new home for the Kangs opened September 2011—same school, different building.

But school pride is not bound by the structure that houses us; our Kang spirit is as steadfast and vibrant today as it has ever been. In 1930, the student body selected purple and white—symbolizing wisdom and purity—as their school colors.Today, our colors shine just as brightly, and our school motto—Strong, we will never fallreflects the same optimism and dreams that the Kangs of 1923 hoped for. The rare character born at LWHS in 1930—a clever kangaroo called Lizzie—still delights us as our school mascot.

Lizzie

Lizzie, LWHS Mascot

LWHS Historical Pictures 1930-2021

Life Magazine article features LWHS

Life Magazine 6-27-1955 featuring Graduating Class Party
Life Magzine June 27, 1955 p. 89-92: "In Kirkland, Wash. the parents of Lake Washington High School seniors have found that the surest way to keep a sensible rein on the jubilant graduates on commencement night is to keep them going until they drop."

LWHS Principals

Kirkland High School Union “A” High School
R. E. Storey 1923-1928
J. A. Jacobson 1928-1936
Morton A. Johnson 1936-1941
Douglas Hendel 1941-1949
Rufus Salyer 1949-1951
Lake Washington High School
Dan W. Shovlin 1951-1964
Walter L. Seabloom 1964-1965
Hunter A. Mock 1965-1971
Bill McLaughlin 1971-1974
Jack Wood 1974-1980
Charles Martin 1980-1987
Paul Gentle 1987-1999
Mark Robertson 1999-2006
Brad Malloy 2006-2010
Christina Thomas 2010-2021
Christine Bell 2021-Present

LWHS History Links

"The Old LW"
"Walk the halls of the old LWHS" Extensive Senior Project with complete 360 degree views of the old school by former student Joshua Tzucker